Digital Procurement Manager, Emerging Technology

Optus is an Australian telecommunications company, delivering more than 11 million services to our customers every day across mobile, broadband and digital solutions. 

As a key player in our team, the Digital Procurement Manager, Emerging Technology will bridge technology and procurement, using AI-powered solutions to transform and simplify procurement operations. This role promises a measurable impact by optimising procurement processes, enabling data-driven decision-making, and encouraging innovation across the organisation.  

What You’ll Do | Your day to day will consist of 

• Own the procurement digital and AI Procurement Strategy, coordinating with the Procurement Excellence and Transformation Team. 

• Ensure alignment with the Optus AI framework on architecture and solution implementation. 

• Drive the delivery of procurement digital/AI initiatives to improve efficiency in procurement processes. 

• Partner with enterprise functions and third-party suppliers to deliver shared AI outcomes aligned with enterprise-level roadmaps. 

• Identify, prioritise, and drive high-impact AI and advanced analytics use cases across procurement, such as in sourcing, supplier management, and buying. 

• Define and complete an enterprise AI enablement roadmap aligned to procurement and business strategy, translating priority use cases into measurable value outcomes. 

• Establish and operate fit-for-purpose AI governance frameworks covering data access, model lifecycle management, ethical use, regulatory compliance, and risk controls. 

• Partner with technology, data, and security teams to ensure AI solutions are built on high-quality, well-governed data and coordinated seamlessly with ERP, source-to-pay, and analytics platforms. 

• Lead AI change management to drive sustained adoption across procurement teams. 

• Build enablement programs, role-based training, and communities of practice that build AI literacy, reduce AI risk, and embed AI into day-to-day workflows. 

What You Bring | What makes you perfect for the role? 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in IT, business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field (desirable). 

• Good understanding of AI architecture, AI models, and experience in building agentic AI using major tools like ChatGPT and Co-Pilot. 

• Proven experience (typically 3+ years) in procurement, with a strong track record in AI governance, reporting, analytics, and performance management roles. 

• Excellent communication, influencing, and change management skills. 

• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

• Analytical competence and attention to detail. 

• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration capabilities. 

• Adaptability and a continuous improvement approach. 

• High ethical standards and integrity. 

• Results orientation and performance tracking. 

The good stuff…. | What’s in it for you? 

• Competitive remuneration and colleague discounts. Make life easier (and more affordable) with $80 monthly credit and 25% off Optus products and outstanding shopping discounts with our retail partners. 

• Flexible working arrangements with opportunities to work three days in the office, two days remote or home. 

• Vibrant and collaborative office campus that includes cafes, convenience store, chill out zones, GP, post office, gym, and on-site childcare center. 

• Competitive leave policies, including additional 'Connected' days to focus on culture, family, health, community, or whatever’s important to you. 

• We support growing families with inclusive, carer-neutral paid Parental Leave of up to 16 weeks. 

• Direct your own development and build future-ready skills with Optus U’s industry-focused micro-credentials, developed with La Trobe and Macquarie Universities. 

• Build meaningful connections through colleague-led networks and diversity initiatives including Culture Connect, Elevate Women, Disability Network, and Express Yourself (LGBTQIA+). 

• Put your wellbeing first with free access to counselling and support services, 24/7 — in-person, by phone, SMS, or video. 

• Free Optus bus from Macquarie University Metro Station (every 6-8 minutes); morning and afternoon. 

At Optus, we are strengthened by others and that means valuing diversity and saying ‘yes’ to embracing individual differences. We are committed to ensuring that our application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals from diverse gender, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, individuals with a disability, individuals identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals who may have served in the armed forces or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also want to do our best to make our recruitment process inclusive. If you require any adjustments or accessibility support to participate fairly and equitably in the recruitment process, please email AccessibleRecruitment@optus.com.au or call 1800 309 170.  

For more information on Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Optus, please visit https://www.optus.com.au/about/inclusion-diversity